The streets of Clinton, North Carolina, were shattered by the sharp crack of gunfire on a seemingly ordinary Monday afternoon. At approximately 2:09 p.m. on August 25, 2025, the Clinton Police Department received urgent calls reporting shots fired in the area of Stetson and West Still Street, a residential neighborhood where such violence feels jarringly out of place. What unfolded in the hours that followed has left the community on edge, as law enforcement races to piece together the circumstances surrounding a shooting that sent 21-year-old Jerry Boykin to the hospital.

Officers arrived swiftly at the scene, their presence marked by the flashing lights of patrol cars cutting through the midday sun. The evidence was unmistakable: spent shell casings littered the roadway, glinting under the light as silent witnesses to the chaos that had just erupted. The police secured the area, combing the streets for clues while neighbors peeked from behind curtains, their sense of safety shaken. The sound of gunfire, though fleeting, had left a lingering unease in this close-knit community.

As investigators worked the scene, a new development broke: Sampson Regional Medical Center reported that Jerry Boykin had arrived at their facility, delivered by a private vehicle in a desperate rush for care. The young man, just 21 years old, was fortunate—his injuries, though serious, were deemed non-life-threatening by medical staff. Under the hospital’s care, Boykin began his recovery, but the questions surrounding how he ended up there remain unanswered. Who pulled the trigger? What sparked the violence? And why did it happen in the heart of Clinton’s quiet streets?

The Clinton Police Department has thrown its full weight behind the investigation, describing it as active and ongoing. Detectives are canvassing the neighborhood, knocking on doors and speaking with residents in hopes of uncovering witnesses who might hold the key to unraveling the incident. Surveillance footage, if available, is likely being scrutinized, and every shell casing collected is a potential lead. Yet, for now, the details remain scarce. Authorities have not disclosed a motive, identified suspects, or revealed what led to the altercation that turned a Monday afternoon into a crime scene. The silence from officials only deepens the mystery, leaving the community to wonder what lies beneath the surface of this troubling event.

In a public statement, the police have called on the residents of Clinton to step forward with any information, no matter how small it may seem. “Community cooperation is vital,” the department emphasized, urging anyone with knowledge of the shooting to contact them at 910-592-3105. For those hesitant to come forward, an anonymous tip line offers a way to share information discreetly: simply text “tipcpd” to 847411. Each tip, each fragment of insight, could be the piece that brings clarity to the chaos and justice to those involved.

This shooting on Stetson Street is more than an isolated incident—it’s a stark reminder of the specter of gun violence that can touch even the most unassuming corners of a town like Clinton. The scattered shell casings, the rush to the hospital, the unanswered questions—they all paint a picture of a community grappling with fear and uncertainty. Yet, amidst the unease, there is resolve. The Clinton Police Department has vowed to keep the public informed as the investigation unfolds, promising to work tirelessly to identify those responsible and restore a sense of security to the streets.

As the sun sets on Stetson and West Still Street, the neighborhood remains quiet, but the echoes of that gunfire linger. For Jerry Boykin, the road to recovery is just beginning. For the people of Clinton, the wait for answers continues. And for the police, the hunt for truth is far from over. In a town where community is everything, the call to stand together—vigilant, cooperative, and determined—has never been louder.